Job Discussion Forums

[learningpaths]

I'd like to stir it up just a little.

I think we teachers, without unionized representation, should start singing the same song across the board. This particular song is about what we expect in return for our services.

What makes it worth relocating to the other side of the planet to teach your kids and managers the international language of business (money)?

Is it an exotic cultural experience? Nope. That wears off and we can't eat it.

Is it a good salary in their economy? Nope. We will have to leave their economy sooner (most likely) or later. I need more than just above breaking even for the hours of my life. (This isn't a beer money gig for me...)

Is it for the perk of reimbursement? Nope. We all know there are as many, if not more, employers manning an 11th hour guillotine, making reimbursement little more than carrots and smoke signals.

Teachers, when communicating with agents, recruiters, and schools, tell them prepaid flights are expected and necessary. They are recruiting you for their business. McDonalds in the home town pays the same as some of these jobs. There's no reason to leave home. (Never trust an MBA, the anxious and crafty ladder climbers, a recruiter, or an Arab for that matter... the Irish are dicey too.)

When they refuse, as the cheap *beep* inevitably will, then insist on reimbursement upon arrival.

Don't fall for the inflated salary and skimpy housing allowance. It's works out the same, but why lie about it? (Why am I looking for a private lease in a country where I can't even read it and paying for anything in large sums up front?)

Time has proven there are an abundance of ESL papermills out there that don't care about anyone but themselves, so let's start singing the same tune, and up the ante. (In 2003, I considered Japan for 250,000 yen. Today, I can't believe my eyes. It's still 250,000 yen! PS: There is no pension.)

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I forgot to mention, almost all teachers are built on the Service to Others model, while almost all business owners are built on the Service to Self model. It's a vampiric relationship. Not many business owners loose any sleep at all when they turn a potential student because they're poor. So, make them pay, because someone has to.

[spiral78]

[Mikalina]

I tried a bit of 'unionising' once over change to a contract we had already signed. There were four of us 'ringleaders'. We were called to a meeting with the powerful owner. I didn't go because I knew what would happen. One teacher was given the opportunity to continue claiming for overtime hours he didn't work; another was given the meal out with the boss that he wanted; and the other, can't remember what he received but you get the idea. Problem went away and we all worked to the new contract.

Another time I tried to persuade all teachers to take a small pay cut so that this could be given to a colleague who had been unfairly demoted (in title and pay, not work) - equalling out his salary. Must have been how the invisible man felt.

Not sure you can unionise TEFLers - bless 'em.

[ScarletDom93]

You look at places like Thailand offering 30kB per month.
Wages haven't risen there because it is saturated with back packers teaching without any qualifications. But it's starting to become the norm across the board (many countries though now ask for degree and TEFL cert for visa reqs)
Perhaps it is down to us teachers to bargain with the recruiters/schools instead of accepting certain things on face value. That being said, there are still people who will jump at the chance for 1 or 2 years.

[getbehindthemule]

Pre-paid flights expected haha...so that deadbeats, escapists or backpackers can get a free ride to their destination, get real will you OP

[nomad soul]

[learningpaths]

[quote="spiral78"]

[spiral78]

[santi84]

Er, no thanks.

I'm in a union right now. It's great!

I've been in a union in the past. The top performers and the numpties all had the same protected job status and wages, regardless of ability, effectiveness, and overall intelligence. Sometimes, it was wonderful. Level-headed, professional teachers with nothing but passion for students. Other times, it was horrible. One wonders how they managed to make it so far in life without getting hit by a bus.

I'm all for standards, but that goes both ways. For all the scummy recruiters, I'm sure there are many more who feel that they deserve the red carpet treatment for no reason other than a degree in teapot making and native English-speaking ability. Sorry, but I have no interest in being lumped in with that lot. Standards here are much higher than the vast majority of places that hire TEFLers, and I don't have any interest in taking part.

[scot47]

In the 1960s there were lots of jobs offering perks like free flights etc. Very few now in comparison with the Golden Age !

[ScarletDom93]

Here's a question then.

Is it possible to negotiate with schools in regards to salary, accommodation allowance etc?

[spiral78]

Some schools in some places, given that you have certain characteristics and qualifications, yes. Others, no. There ARE NO blanket answers in this field!!

[nomad soul]